Word Origin & History

imply late 14c., "to enfold, enwrap, entangle" (the classical L. sense), from O.Fr. emplier, from L. implicare "involve" (see implicate). Meaning "to involve something unstated as a logical consequence" first recorded 1529. The distinction between imply and infer is in "What do you imply by that remark?" But, "What am I to infer from that remark?"

Example Sentences for imply

It seemed to imply a delicate distinction that carried conviction at once.

Her tone seemed to imply that he was taking his leave when Maurice entered.

What does it imply as regards his attitude towards all women?

He could not in words accuse Rendel's wife, whatever his silence might imply.

If you say I am not worthy of your confidence, you imply that I am not worthy of your love.

This does not imply that these domains are forever wed to literacy.

Much less did I imply that Mr. Darwin was pert: pert is one of the last words that can be applied to Mr. Darwin.

Am I trying to imply that some missionaries are hard to live with?

But to have an idea of what we wish to happen, does not imply a prophetic knowledge that it will happen.

What prescience does all this imply—prescience no where to be found but in God!